Maha Al-Zu’bi | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Maha Al-Zu’bi | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Regional Researcher- Sustainable and Resilient Water Systems at University of Calgary, Jordan

Maha Al-Zu’bi is a seasoned expert in managing international development projects with a strong background in environmental design and sustainability. With over 15 years of experience, she has led and contributed to high-impact initiatives across the Middle East and Central Asia. Her research interests include climate change governance and the energy-water-food nexus. Maha is dedicated to integrating innovative solutions and fostering collaboration to address pressing global challenges. 🌍💧🌱

Profile:

Educational Background:

Ph.D. in Environmental Design with a specialization in Energy Environmental Systems from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Professional Experience:

  • Over 15 years in managing public and internationally funded projects, including those funded by major organizations like the UNDP, GGGI, World Bank, and USAID.
  • Currently co-leading the CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative “Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa” and serving as a Regional Researcher at the International Water Management Institute.
  • Previously managed major research initiatives and climate change projects, such as the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources at the University of Calgary.

Research Interests:

Maha’s research focuses on climate change governance, green roof policy, and the energy-water-food nexus. She is passionate about proposing local climate policies and principles for climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the Arab region. Her work emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges.

Publication Top Notes:

  • SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and Resilient Settlements
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    Emerald Publishing Limited, 32, 2018
  • Water, Energy, and Rooftops: Integrating Green Roof Systems into Building Policies in the Arab Region
    M Al-Zu’bi, O Mansour
    Environment and Natural Resources Research, 7(2), 11-36, 2017
  • Jordan’s Climate Change Governance Framework: From Silos to an Intersectoral Approach
    M Al-Zu’bi
    Environment Systems and Decisions, 36, 277-301, 2016
  • African Perspectives on Climate Change Research
    M Al-Zu’bi, SW Dejene, J Hounkpè, OL Kupika, S Lwasa, M Mbenge, …
    Nature Climate Change, 12(12), 1078-1084, 2022
  • Water-Energy-Food-Climate Change Nexus in the Arab Cities: The Case of Amman City, Jordan
    M Al-Zu’bi
    University of Calgary, 2017
  • Shifting Waters: The Challenges of Transitioning from Freshwater to Treated Wastewater Irrigation in the Northern Jordan Valley
    MH Tawfik, H Al-Zawaidah, J Hoogesteger, M Al-Zu’bi, P Hellegers, …
    Water, 15(7), 1315, 2023
  • Strengthening Climate Security in the Middle East and North Africa Region
    P Laderach, DJ Merrey, F Schapendonk, B Dhehibi, S Ruckstuhl, …
    IWMI, 2022
  • Water, Energy and Food: The Problematic Aspects of the Transition from ‘Silo Approach’ to ‘Nexus Approach’ in the Arab Region
    M Al-Zu’bi, N Keough
    Water, Energy, Food and People Across the Global South: ‘The Nexus’ in an …, 2018
  • Towards Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Agriculture in North Africa Through Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Systematic Review
    Y Brouziyne, A El Bilali, T Epule Epule, V Ongoma, A Elbeltagi, J Hallam, …
    Climate, 11(7), 139, 2023
  • Application of Artificial Intelligence in Monitoring of Animal Health and Welfare
    AZA Ali, M Al-Zu’bi
    Indian Journal of Animal Research, 57(11), 1550-1555, 2023
  • Hydrological Modelling for Reservoir Operation: Application of SWAT Model for Kalu Ganga Catchment, Sri Lanka
    GAT Madushanka, KDW Nandalal, LP Muthuwatta
    ENGINEER, 55(03), 29-41, 2022
  • One Hundred Priority Questions for the Development of Sustainable Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa
    AJM Devenish, P Schmitter, NP Jellason, N Esmail, NM Abdi, SK Adanu, …
    Land, 12(10), 1879, 2023
  • Climate Security in the MENA Region
    P Läderach, DJ Merrey, F Schapendonk, B Dhehibi, S Ruckstuhl, …
    2022
  • SDG11 and the Associated Challenges to Implementation
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018
  • Cities and Key Interactions
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018
  • Mapping SDG Stories
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018

 

Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

PhD student, Tanta University, Egypt

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating AI and GIS to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas, aiming to enhance food security sustainably. In addition to her studies, she serves as an assistant lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated scholar in the field of agricultural and soil sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from Tanta University, Egypt, in 2017. Building on her foundational knowledge, she pursued a Master of Science in Soil Science, also at Tanta University, which she completed in 2021. Currently, Radwa is a Ph.D. student at the same institution, where she is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and geographic information systems to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas. Her academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to advancing agricultural practices and sustainability through innovative research methodologies.

Experience 🏫

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is an Assistant Lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima and a PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid regions. With a solid background in soil science and agricultural science, Radwa has published seven research articles, contributing valuable insights into soil management and crop optimization. Her work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative technologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of fields related to agricultural and environmental sciences. Her primary focus is on agricultural sustainability and pedology, where she explores methods to enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems. She employs remote sensing and GIS technologies to monitor and analyze soil and water resources, integrating these with modeling of irrigation water quality to improve resource management. Her work also addresses environmental contamination through advanced artificial intelligence techniques, contributing to assessments of crop suitability and soil quality. Radwa’s expertise in machine learning and deep learning further supports her efforts to develop innovative solutions for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Awards 🏆

Training in the research project “Monitoring land and water productivity through remote sensing WaPOR II”

Publications Top Notes 📚

An Accurate Approach for Predicting Soil Quality Based on Machine Learning in Drylands Agriculture, 2024-04-18 | link

A Novel Approach for Predicting Heavy Metal Contamination Based on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and GIS in an Arid Ecosystem Agronomy, 2023-07-15 | link

Artificial Intelligence Integrated GIS for Land Suitability Assessment of Wheat Crop Growth in Arid Zones to Sustain Food Security Agronomy, 2023-04-29 |link

Assessment of Potential Heavy Metal Contamination Hazards Based on GIS and Multivariate Analysis in Some Mediterranean Zones Agronomy, 2022-12-19 | link

Combination of GIS and Multivariate Analysis to Assess the Soil Heavy Metal Contamination in Some Arid Zones
Agronomy, 2022-11-16 | link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priya Lal Chandra Paul | Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

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Dr Priya Lal Chandra Paul |  Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Senior Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Irrigation and Water Management Division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur, Bangladesh. With a profound interest in soil water and salinity dynamics, waterlogging mitigation techniques, and conservation agriculture, Dr. Paul has made significant contributions to agricultural science and water management.

 

Profile:

Education:

🎓 PhD in Agricultural Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia (2020).🎓 M.S. in Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2006).🎓 B. Sc. Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2004)

Professional Experience:

Senior Scientific Officer, BRRI (Dec 2014 – Present). Scientific Officer, BRRI (Aug 2009 – Dec 2014). Assistant General Manager, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) (Nov 2008 – Aug 2009). Assistant Manager, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) (Jul 2008 – Nov 2008). Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture (Jul 2006 – Jul 2008)

Professional Development:

Dr. Paul has continually enhanced his expertise through various training programs and courses, including GIS and Remote Sensing in Smart Agriculture, Adaptive Delta Management, and Integrated Water Resource Management. 🌍

Awards and Fellowships:

🏆 ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship, Australia
🏆 TWAS-USM Fellowship, Malaysia
🏆 VLIR-UOS Training Scholarship, Belgium
🏆 National Integrity Strategy Award 2023, BRRI

Dr. Paul’s dedication to agricultural research and development is evident through his extensive involvement in projects aimed at mitigating climate risks and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in Bangladesh. 🌱

Conservation Agriculture Research Focus 🌾

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is deeply engaged in research focused on conservation agriculture, emphasizing sustainable practices that enhance soil health, improve water use efficiency, and increase crop yields while reducing environmental impact. His key research areas in this domain include:

  1. Soil Water Conservation:
    • Investigating techniques to conserve soil moisture, crucial for sustaining crop growth in water-scarce regions.
    • Implementing mulching practices and other soil amendments to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
  2. Tillage Practices:
    • Exploring minimum tillage and no-till farming methods to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
    • Assessing the impact of different tillage practices on soil structure, water infiltration, and root growth.
  3. Crop Establishment in Saline-Wet Soils:
    • Developing strategies for successful crop establishment in challenging saline and waterlogged soils, typical in coastal regions.
    • Evaluating salt-tolerant crop varieties and appropriate planting techniques to mitigate salinity effects.
  4. Conjunctive Use of Saline and Freshwater:
    • Studying the combined use of saline and freshwater resources to optimize irrigation practices.
    • Implementing water management strategies that balance the use of available water resources to maintain soil health and crop productivity.
  5. Water Saving Techniques:
    • Promoting the use of efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, to minimize water wastage.
    • Investigating alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques in rice cultivation to save water and improve water use efficiency.
  6. Conservation Agriculture in Coastal Agriculture and Hydrology:
    • Addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal agricultural systems, including salinity, waterlogging, and soil degradation.
    • Developing and promoting integrated water and soil management practices to enhance the resilience of coastal farming systems.

Dr. Paul’s research is instrumental in developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, particularly in regions facing climatic and hydrological challenges. His work aims to provide practical solutions for farmers to adapt to changing conditions and maintain agricultural sustainability. 🌱

Citation Metrics 📊

  • Total Citations: 339 (since 2019: 312)
  • h-index: 11 (since 2019: 10)
  • i10-index: 12 (since 2019: 11)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Straw mulch and irrigation affect solute potential and sunflower yield in a heavy textured soil in the Ganges Delta
    • Agricultural Water Management 239, 106211 (2020)
    • Citations: 45
  • Banding of fertilizer improves phosphorus acquisition and yield of zero tillage maize by concentrating phosphorus in surface soil
    • Sustainability 10 (9), 3234 (2018)
    • Citations: 35
  • Variation in the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) due to differing tillage systems is associated with variation in solute potential of the soil solution in a salt-affected soil
    • Soil and Tillage Research 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 34
  • Impact of rice straw mulch on soil physical properties, sunflower root distribution and yield in a salt-affected clay-textured soil
    • Agriculture 11 (3), 264 (2021)
    • Citations: 29
  • Opportunities for cropping system intensification in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 28*
  • Optimum sowing window for boro cultivation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 22*
  • Refinement of alternate wetting and drying irrigation method for rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 17 (1-2), 33-37 (2013)
    • Citations: 22
  • Opportunities and risks with early sowing of sunflower in a salt-affected coastal region of the Ganges Delta
    • Agronomy for Sustainable Development 41 (3), 39 (2021)
    • Citations: 18
  • Water productivity improvement using water saving technologies in Boro rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 20 (1), 17-22 (2016)
    • Citations: 17
  • Triple rice in a year: Is it a feasible option for the low salinity areas of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 14*
  • Short-Term Waterlogging Depresses Early Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Saline Soils with a Shallow Water Table in the Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Systems 5 (4), 68 (2021)
    • Citations: 12
  • Selection of Profitable Rice Based Cropping System Under Prevailing Water Environment in Satkhira District of Bangladesh
    • Academia Journal of Agricultural Research 4 (9), 581-588 (2016)
    • Citations: 11*
  • Early transplanting of rainfed rice minimizes irrigation demand by utilizing rainfall
    • Environmental Systems Research 10, 1-11 (2021)
    • Citations: 9
  • Impacts of different tillage systems on the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a salt-affected clayey soil of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Tillage Res 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 8
  • Rice-rice-rabi cropping systems for increasing the productivity of low salinity regions of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 8*
  • Agronomic practices increase sunflower yield in the rabi (dry) season in clay-textured, salt-affected soils of the coastal region of Bangladesh
    • Murdoch University (2020)
    • Citations: 4
  • Water productivity evaluation for rice based cropping system in Gazipur District of Bangladesh
    • Eco-friendly Agricultural Journal 6 (12), 279-284 (2013)
    • Citations: 4